There is a quartet of great shows coming to LA in February, artists who don’t tour the US that often, or may tour but bypass LA entirely. Here is a list of upcoming shows not to be missed.
1. Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba / UCLA Royce Hall / Saturday, Feb 8th
Bassekou leads one of the best and most authentic traditional Malian bands today. His music is a propulsive tapestry of rhythms and ngoni (traditional Malian string instrument, ancestor of the banjo). Click here for full tour dates.
2. Maria Rita / Walt Disney Concert Hall / Friday, Feb 14th
The daughter of the great Brazilian songstress Elis Regina, Rita only got into music only reluctantly. I’m glad she did. She has a gorgeous voice and is sure to bring a great band. Click here for full tour dates.
3. Carlos Nunez / Broad Stage / Friday, Feb 21
Nunez is a Gallician (Celtic region of NW Spain) bagpipe virtuoso who electrifies audiences with his musical artistry. His last show in LA galvanized the audience, even those who thought bagpipes were only Scottish and didn’t like the sound. Click here for full tour dates.
4. Fatoumata Diawara / Broad Stage / Friday, Feb 28
Diawara is part of a new generation of Malian artists. A superb singer and guitarist, she organized the big New York concert to rally support for Malian musicians when music was under siege by the Islamists in the North. Her World Circuit / Nonesuch debut was most auspicious for the young star. Click here for full tour dates.
Rhythm Planet Playlist: 1/17/14
- Bassekou Kouyate / Jonkoni / Segu Blue / Out Here
- Maria Rita / Caminho Das Aguas / Segundo /Warner Music
- Carlos Nunez / Bolero / Discover / Sony Music
- Fatoumata Diawara / Mousso / Fatou / Nonesuch
